Message from West Alphington Residents Inc.: Chandler Hwy Bridge: A Six Lane Road to Nowhere
Plans by the Andrews Labour government to expand the Chandler Highway bridge have hit a roadblock.
The Andrews government greatly underestimated community backlash to plans to build a whopping bridge alongside homes that line Chandler Highway. Residents, councils and commuters alike vehemently oppose the building of a six lane bridge as the answer to Melbourne’s No:1 traffic hotspot.
The bridge design is over the top and costly. It’s a thinly veiled attempt to create a major North-South traffic/truck route through Alphington instead of pursuing the missing ring-road link. In fact it’s A SIX LANE ROAD TO NOWHERE.
WARI thanks all those who joined us recently for our community meeting at the Alphington Bowls Club. WARI was tremendously heartened by the support of communities beyond ‘West’ Alphington. WARI has been re-energised and is ready for the next stage of the battle.
Yarra and Darebin Councils have now joined forces with WARI in asking the Minister for Roads to re-think this ill-considered decision. Legal options are being explored.
WARI believes the adoption by government of integrated transport plan is critical for Melbourne to remain as one of the world’s most liveable cities. In the weeks ahead, WARI will demand the Andrews Labour government re-thinks plans for a bridge that puts roads ahead of people.
How You Can Help
WARI will continue to lobby State and Federal politicians over the issue and embark on an extensive advertising campaign. Banners and printing leaflets cost money that unfortunately we don’t have much of. Donations of any amount – $20, $50 or $100 – would be most welcome. WARI will contact you with details about our community protest once our signs are ready.
If you can help us, donations can be made to West Alphington Residents @ Bendigo Bank 633-000 A/c 154732820 (please enter your name as a reference). For a receipt and acknowledgement of thanks, please email info@warinc.org.au
WARI IS NOT GOING AWAY and intends sending a message loud and clear to the politicians who count. – our State Minister for Roads, our local Member and our Federal Member for Batman. Their details are below and we urge you to make contact them in the way you feel most comfortable.
For the month of March, we’re asking members and friends to call, write and email our politicians and let them know your thoughts about the 6 lane bridge, the folly of a road to nowhere, the wanton waste of public money and that the outcome will determine your vote at election time.
Minister for Roads: Hon. Luke Donnellan
Level 22, 1 Spring Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000
luke.donnellan@parliament.vic.gov.au
(03) 8392 6150
Member for Northcote: The Hon. Fiona Richardson
Level 1, 2 Treasury Place, East Melbourne, VIC 3002
fiona.richardson@parliament.vic.gov.au
(03) 9637 3344
Federal Member for Batman: The Hon. David Feeney
159 High St, Preston VIC 3072
david.feeney@australianlabor.com.au
(03) 9416 8690
